What has playing in the Super Bowl historically meant for your favorite Fantasy performers? Our Jamey Eisenberg examines what the extra playoff work has meant the following season.

It's obviously a great experience to play in the Super Bowl. Winning the
game is the ultimate prize for any player since it's the culmination of
hard work, determination and a little luck.

But the results of playing in a Super Bowl can end up being a detriment
to a player's Fantasy value the following season. All the additional
games in the playoffs lead to increased workload, wear and tear and
injuries.

In looking at last year's Super Bowl, the best example of a letdown
happened with the Steelers. We expected
Rashard Mendenhall
to struggle this season after he had 412 touches
(385 carries and 27 catches) over 19 games in 2010, including 61 carries
and four catches in the playoffs. Mendenhall's Fantasy points declined
by 53 this year, and he suffered a torn ACL in Week 17.

Ben Roethlisberger
struggled with injuries all season, and he
only saw an 18-point increase despite playing three more games this year
than in 2010. His average Fantasy points went from 19.1 in 2010 to 16.5
this season.
Mike Wallace
also saw a
decline in Fantasy points by 16, and you have to assume the 2010 season
took a toll on the entire Pittsburgh roster.

Below you will find examples of quarterbacks, running backs and
receivers from both teams in the past five Super Bowls and how they
performed the following year. Some players didn't suffer at all from
playing in the Super Bowl, which includes
Aaron Rodgers
having a career season this year.

But as the Patriots and Giants kickoff Super Bowl XLVI, just keep in
mind that the hangover from playing in the final game of the season
could linger into 2012. It might be worse for the Giants also since they
will have played 20 games when the year is over, which is a lot of work
for any player.

The last time these teams met in the Super Bowl at the end of the 2007
season turned out to be a devastating experience the following year for
Tom Brady
. He tore his ACL in Week 1 in 2008 and was lost for the
season. Now, that likely could have happened with or without the Super
Bowl experience, but it's another example of a player struggling or
getting hurt after playing in the big game.

Quarterbacks

The last time
Eli Manning
faced the
Patriots in the Super Bowl he not only won the game but played well the
next year, as his Fantasy points increased by 14. We hope that can
happen again in 2012.

In looking at the winning and losing quarterbacks from the past five
Super Bowls, three of the winners have seen an increase in Fantasy
production the following year. The losers, however, have struggled with
only
Peyton Manning
stats seeing a real
increase in Fantasy points the season after a Super Bowl loss.

On average, the Super Bowl winners have improved by almost 40 Fantasy
points the following season. The losers, however, have seen their
Fantasy production drop by almost 132 points the next year.

Now, that stat is skewed because of Brady and his injury in 2008. If you
take Brady out of the equation, the losing quarterbacks have only
declined by slightly more than 46 Fantasy points on average. But the
losers have struggled the following year with injuries to
Roethlisberger, Brady and
Rex Grossman
(2007).

We hope that Brady and
Eli Manning
remain healthy in 2012, and the Super Bowl appearance should do little
to hurt their Fantasy value. Just make sure that Brady -- who is already
dealing with a problematic left shoulder injury -- and Manning don't
take too many hits in the final game.

Editor's note: All stats listed below are regular-season only.

XLV: Packers 31, Steelers 25
Aaron Rodgers
, Packers2010: 3,922 passing yards, 28
touchdowns and 11 interceptions; 356 rushing yards and four touchdowns;
three fumbles in 15 games (344 Fantasy points)2011: 4,643
passing yards, 45 touchdowns and six interceptions; 257 rushing yards
and three touchdowns; one fumble in 15 games (475 Fantasy points)Difference:
Rodgers showed that his performance in 2010 was no fluke as he had an
MVP season this year. He has established himself as the No. 1 Fantasy
quarterback and is worth drafting in Round 1 in all leagues in 2012.

Ben Roethlisberger
, Steelers2010: 3,200 passing
yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions; 176 rushing yards and two
touchdowns; two fumbles in 12 games (230 Fantasy points)2011:
4,077 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions; 70 rushing
yards; five fumbles in 15 games (248 Fantasy points)Difference:
Roethlisberger would have been the No. 7 quarterback in 2010 if he
played 16 games, but he was out to start the season with a suspension.
Injuries limited him this season, but he is still a Top 12 Fantasy
quarterback in most leagues and should improve in 2012.

XLIV: Saints 31, Colts 17
Drew Brees
,
Saints2009: 4,388 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and 11
interceptions; 33 rushing yards and two touchdowns; six fumbles in 15
games (350 Fantasy points)2010: 4,620 passing yards, 33
touchdowns and 22 interceptions; two fumbles in 16 games (329 Fantasy
points)Difference: Despite his Fantasy production dropping by
21 points, Brees remained a No. 1 quarterback the year after winning the
Super Bowl. The biggest difference for Brees was his turnovers, which
increased by seven. He should be drafted in Round 1 in all leagues in
2012.

Peyton Manning
, Colts2009: 4,500 passing yards,
33 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 16 games (340 Fantasy points)2010:
4,700 passing yards, 33 touchdowns and 17 interceptions; 18 rushing
yards; one fumble in 16 games (345 Fantasy points)Difference:
Manning was the lone losing quarterback in the past five seasons to see
his Fantasy points increase on average. The difference for him was his
yardage increased while the rest of his stats were almost identical. If
Manning is able to play in 2012 he should be considered a No. 1 option
again, and he is worth drafting by Round 4 or 5.

XLIII: Steelers 27, Cardinals 23
Ben Roethlisberger
, Steelers2008: 3,314 passing
yards, 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions; 101 rushing yards and two
touchdowns; seven fumbles in 16 games (200 Fantasy points)2009:
4,328 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions; 79 rushing
yards and two touchdowns; three fumbles in 15 games (305 Fantasy points)Difference:
The offense in Pittsburgh changed for Roethlisberger after this Super
Bowl victory. He became more of a passer, and since then Roethlisberger
has remained a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback in the majority of leagues.

Kurt Warner, Cardinals2008: 4,582 passing yards, 30
touchdowns and 14 interceptions; seven fumbles in 16 games (313 Fantasy
points)2009: 3,753 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and 14
interceptions; 10 rushing yards; six fumbles in 15 games (259 Fantasy
points)Difference: The 2009 season was Warner's last in the
NFL before retiring, and the Cardinals showed more balance after their
dynamic passing attack in 2008. Warner likely would have remained a No.
1 Fantasy quarterback if he returned in 2010.

XLII: Giants 17, Patriots 14
Eli Manning
, Giants2007: 3,336 passing yards, 23
touchdowns and 20 interceptions; 69 rushing yards and one touchdown;
seven fumbles in 16 games (219 Fantasy points)2008: 3,238
passing yards, 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions; 10 rushing yards and
one touchdown; two fumbles in 16 games (233 Fantasy points)Difference:
The reason Manning's Fantasy production improved in 2008 was he cut down
on the turnovers. His 10 interceptions have been the fewest in his
career since becoming a full-time starter.

Tom Brady
, Patriots2007: 4,806 passing yards, 50
touchdowns and eight interceptions; 98 rushing yards and two touchdowns;
four fumbles in 16 games (477 Fantasy points)2008: 76 passing
yards in one game (one Fantasy point)Difference: Brady had
the best Fantasy season ever in 2007 before losing the Super Bowl, and
his bad luck extended into the start of 2008 when he hurt his knee and
was lost for the year. He has since returned as a No. 1 quarterback in
all leagues.

XLI: Colts 29, Bears 17
Peyton Manning
, Colts2006: 4,397 passing yards, 31
touchdowns and nine interceptions; 36 rushing yard and four touchdowns;
one fumble in 16 games (360 Fantasy points)2007: 4,040
passing yards, 31 touchdowns and 14 interceptions; three rushing
touchdowns; one fumble in 16 games (331 Fantasy points)Difference:
Manning's best year of his career was 2004 when he had 49
touchdowns, but his 35 total scores in 2006 still stands at No. 2. It
was hard to duplicate that performance in 2007, but Manning was still a
No. 1 Fantasy quarterback as expected.

Rex Grossman
, Bears2006: 3,197 passing yards, 23
touchdowns and 20 interceptions; five fumbles in 16 games (207 Fantasy
points)2007: 1,411 passing yards, four touchdowns and seven
interceptions; 27 rushing yards; three fumbles in eight games (54
Fantasy points)Difference: Grossman was never considered a
starting Fantasy option even with the Super Bowl run, and he fell apart
in 2007. First he was benched in favor of Brian Griese, and then he was
lost for the season with a knee injury.

Running backs

We shouldn't have a situation like the one Mendenhall faced this season
when looking at the Giants and Patriots.
Ahmad Bradshaw
is the leading rusher for the Giants, and he has just
265 touches going into the Super Bowl.
Brandon Jacobs
has 199 touches. For the Patriots,
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
should also be safe since he has only 219 touches
through 18 games.

Over the past five years there were 26 running backs who were
significant contributors in helping their teams reach the Super Bowl. Of
those 26, 13 saw a decrease in Fantasy points the following season.

In looking at the 10 starters for the majority of the season, eight saw
a decrease in Fantasy points the following year (Brandon Jackson,
Mendenhall,
Pierre Thomas
,
Joseph Addai
, Willie Parker, Edgerrin James,
Laurence Maroney
and
Thomas Jones
). And
five suffered significant injuries the next year (Jackson, Thomas,
Reggie Bush
, Addai and Maroney). Four of the running backs who saw an
increase in Fantasy points the following season were injury replacements
(
Donald Brown
,
Sammy Morris
,
Kevin Faulk
and
Maurice Morris
).

The biggest reason for Super Bowl running backs seeing a decrease in
production the next year is likely wear and tear. On top of all their
carries during the regular season, they get as many as four games worth
of additional touches. There were 11 running backs who played in the
Super Bowl over the past five seasons that had at least 50 touches in
the postseason.

Bradshaw has 60 touches in the postseason so far, and his history of
foot problems could be problematic in 2012. He is likely the one running
back who could be a concern next year after playing in the Super Bowl.

Editor's note: All stats listed below are regular-season only.

XLV: Packers 31, Steelers 25
Brandon Jackson
, Packers2010: 190 carries for 703 yards
and three touchdowns; 43 catches for 342 yards and one touchdown; two
fumbles in 16 games (113 Fantasy points)2011: Did not playDifference:
Jackson was the leading rusher for the Packers in 2010 since
Ryan Grant
suffered a broken ankle in Week 1. Jackson didn't play
this season in Cleveland because of turf toe, and he has minimal Fantasy
value heading into 2012.

James Starks
, Packers2010: 29 carries for 101
yards; two catches for 15 yards in three games (11 Fantasy points)2011:
133 carries for 578 yards and one touchdown; 29 catches for 216 yards;
one fumble in 13 games (71 Fantasy points)Difference: Starks
had his moments as a quality Fantasy running back this season, but he
was limited by injuries to close the year. He could be the starter for
the Packers in 2012, but he should only be drafted as a No. 3 Fantasy
option at best.

Ryan Grant
, Packers2010: eight carries for 45
yards in one game (four Fantasy points)2011: 134 carries for
559 yards and two touchdowns; 19 catches for 268 yards and one
touchdown; one fumble in 15 games (86 Fantasy points)Difference:
Grant wasn't the same player this season after missing the majority of
the year in 2010. He shared carries with Starks and could never find a
rhythm. Fantasy owners should probably ignore Grant in most leagues in
2012 since he is no longer an elite option.

Rashard Mendenhall
, Steelers2010: 324 carries
for 1,273 yards and 13 touchdowns; 23 catches for 167 yards; two fumbles
in 16 games (202 Fantasy points)2011: 228 carries for 928
yards and nine touchdowns; 18 catches for 154 yards; one fumble in 15
games (149 Fantasy points)Difference: We expected Mendenhall
to struggle this season after all the work he had in 2010. He also
suffered a torn ACL in Week 17, which will likely limit his value
heading into 2012 and could ruin his entire year. Consider him a No. 3
Fantasy running back on Draft Day.

Isaac Redman
, Steelers2010: 52 carries for 247
yards; nine catches for 72 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games (43
Fantasy points)2011: 110 carries for 479 yards and three
touchdowns; 18 catches for 78 yards; two fumbles in 16 games (60 Fantasy
points)Difference: Redman has the chance to be Fantasy
relevant in 2012 if he opens the season as the starter for the Steelers
with Mendenhall out. Redman is worth drafting as a No. 3 Fantasy running
back with the chance to start depending on Mendenhall's status.

XLIV: Saints 31, Colts 17
Pierre Thomas
, Saints2009: 147 carries for 793 yards
and six touchdowns; 39 catches for 302 yards and two touchdowns; one
fumble in 14 games (138 Fantasy points)2010: 83 carries for
269 yards and two touchdowns; 29 catches for 201 yards in six games (54
Fantasy points)Difference: Thomas' 84-point decline in
Fantasy value was due to an ankle injury in 2010. He missed the majority
of the season but rebounded this year as he shared time with
Mark Ingram
and
Darren Sproles
. It
will be the same scenario in 2012, and he is a No. 3 running back on
Draft Day.

Reggie Bush
, Saints2009: 70 carries for 390
yards and five touchdowns; 47 catches for 335 yards and three
touchdowns; two fumbles in 14 games (100 Fantasy points)2010:
36 carries for 150 yards; 34 catches for 208 yards and one touchdown;
one fumble in eight games (36 Fantasy points)Difference: Like
Thomas, Bush missed time with an injury, suffering a broken leg early in
the year, which is why he declined by 64 Fantasy points in 2010. Bush
had a career year with Miami this season and heads into 2012 as a
potential No. 2 running back in all leagues.

Mike Bell
, Saints2009: 172 carries for 654 yards
and five touchdowns; four catches for 12 yards; two fumbles in 13 games
(83 Fantasy points)2010: 47 carries for 99 yards; seven
catches for 67 yards in 16 games (10 Fantasy points)Difference:
Bell left New Orleans for the Eagles and was then traded to Cleveland.
He never got the same opportunity in 2010 that he got with the Saints in
2009, and his Fantasy value is non-existent heading into 2012.

Joseph Addai
, Colts2009: 219 carries for 828
yards and 10 touchdowns; 51 catches for 336 yards and three touchdowns;
one passing touchdown; one fumble in 15 games (184 Fantasy points)2010:
116 carries for 495 yards and four touchdowns; 19 catches for 124 yards;
one fumble in eight games (77 Fantasy points)Difference: A
neck injury ruined Addai's season in 2010, which is why his Fantasy
production declined by 107 points. Addai is an impending free agent this
offseason, but the Colts will likely let him go. He has minimal Fantasy
value heading into 2012, but it depends where he plays.

Donald Brown
, Colts2009: 78 carries for 281
yards and three touchdowns; 11 catches for 169 yards in 11 games (47
Fantasy points)2010: 129 carries for 497 yards and two
touchdowns; 20 catches for 205 yards in 13 games (71 Fantasy points)Difference:
Brown took advantage of Addai being out to show off his skills in 2010.
He also played well this year with Addai again dealing with injuries.
Brown is worth a late-round pick in all leagues in 2012 if he starts for
the Colts.

XLIII: Steelers 27, Cardinals 23Willie
Parker, Steelers2008: 209 carries for 789 yards and five
touchdowns; four catches for 15 yards in 11 games (101 Fantasy points)2009:
98 carries for 389 yards; six catches for 64 yards and a touchdown; one
fumble in 14 games (38 Fantasy points)Difference: The
emergence of Mendenhall in 2009 ruined Parker's season after leading the
Steelers to a Super Bowl victory in 2008, and his career hasn't been the
same since. His days as a viable Fantasy option are over.

Mewelde Moore
, Steelers2008: 140 carries for 588 yards
and five touchdowns; 40 catches for 320 yards and one touchdown in 16
games (111 Fantasy points)2009: 35 carries for 118 yards; 21
catches for 153 yards and two touchdowns; one passing touchdown in 16
games (30 Fantasy points)Difference: Like Parker, the
emergence of Mendenhall took away Pittsburgh's need for Moore in 2009.
He remains a potential third-down back for the Steelers, but he has
minimal Fantasy value.

Rashard Mendenhall
, Steelers2008: 19 carries for
58 yards; two catches for 17 yards in four games (three Fantasy points)2009:
242 carries for 1,108 yards and seven touchdowns; 25 catches for 261
yards and one touchdown; three fumbles in 16 games (163 Fantasy points)Difference:
Mendenhall was injured in his rookie season in 2008, but he took over
early in 2009 and has become a Fantasy star. He could be in trouble in
2012 based on his knee injury, but he should still be drafted around
Round 4 or Round 5 in all leagues.

Edgerrin James, Cardinals2008: 133 carries for 514 yards and
three touchdowns; 12 catches for 85 yards; two fumbles in 13 games (64
Fantasy points)2009: 46 carries for 125 yards; three catches
for 19 yards in seven games (six Fantasy points)Difference:
James helped the Cardinals reach the Super Bowl in 2008, but they didn't
need him in 2009 after drafting
Beanie Wells
.
James played with Seattle in his last year in the NFL in 2009, but 2008
proved to be his last serviceable season for Fantasy owners.

Tim Hightower
, Cardinals2008: 143 carries for 399 yards
and 10 touchdowns; 33 catches for 230 yards in 16 games (106 Fantasy
points)2009: 143 carries for 598 yards and eight touchdowns;
63 catches for 428 yards; four fumbles in 16 games (126 Fantasy points)Difference:
Hightower, despite splitting time with Wells in 2009, had similar stats
to his rookie season. He was a versatile running back for his ability to
work near the goal line and catch passes. Plan on drafting Hightower
with a late-round pick in 2012 depending on where he plays.

XLII: Giants 17, Patriots 14
Brandon Jacobs
, Giants2007: 202 carries for 1,009 yards
and four touchdowns; 23 catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns; four
fumbles in 11 games (131 Fantasy points)2008: 219 carries for
1,089 yards and 15 touchdowns; six catches for 36 yards; one fumble in
13 games (190 Fantasy points)Difference: Jacobs scored three
times in the postseason in 2007, and that carried over to his workload
in 2008 when he had a career-high 15 touchdowns, which boosted his
Fantasy production by 59 points. He hasn't been the same since, but he's
still a No. 3 Fantasy option in most leagues.

Derrick Ward
, Giants2007: 125 carries for 602 yards and
three touchdowns; 26 catches for 179 yards and one touchdown; one fumble
in eight games (85 Fantasy points)2008: 182 carries for 1,025
yards and two touchdowns; 41 catches for 384 yards in 16 games (138
Fantasy points)Difference: Ward missed the Super Bowl in 2007
after he suffered a broken leg in Week 13, but he came back strong in
2008 as a great complementary option to Jacobs. He has struggled since
leaving the Giants and has minimal Fantasy value heading into 2012.

Reuben Droughns, Giants2007: 85 carries for 275 yards and six
touchdowns; seven catches for 49 yards in 16 games (60 Fantasy points)2008:
Did not playDifference: Droughns was good for the Giants as a
reserve in 2007 with Jacobs, Ward and
Ahmad Bradshaw
all missing time due to injuries, but he didn't play
in the postseason and never returned in 2008.

Ahmad Bradshaw
, Giants2007: 23 carries for 190 yards
and one touchdown; two catches for 12 yards; one fumble in 12 games (15
Fantasy points)2008: 67 carries for 355 yards and one
touchdown; five catches for 42 yards and one touchdown in 15 games (41
Fantasy points)Difference: Bradshaw turned into New York's
No. 2 running back in the playoffs with Ward out, but he didn't build
off that success in 2008. It took until 2009 for Bradshaw to become
Fantasy relevant, and he was a star in 2010. He should shine once again
in 2012 as a No. 2 option depending on what happens in the Super Bowl.

Laurence Maroney
, Patriots2007: 185 carries for
835 yards and six touchdowns; four catches for 116 yards in 13 games
(119 Fantasy points)2008: 28 carries for 93 yards in three
games (four Fantasy points)Difference: A shoulder injury
ruined Maroney's season in 2008, and he appeared to fall out of favor
with coach Bill Belichick until a resurgence in the middle of 2009. The
Patriots traded Maroney to Denver in 2010, and his Fantasy value is now
non-existent.

Sammy Morris
, Patriots2007: 85 carries for 384 yards
and three touchdowns; six catches for 35 yards in six games (50 Fantasy
points)2008: 156 carries for 727 yards and seven touchdowns;
17 catches for 161 yards; one fumble in 13 games (114 Fantasy points)Difference:
Morris did well as an injury replacement for Maroney in 2008 when he had
a career high in carries. Once Maroney returned in 2009, Morris went
back to being a reserve and special teams' contributor.

Kevin Faulk
, Patriots2007: 62 carries for 265
yards; 47 catches for 383 yards and one touchdown in 16 games (54
Fantasy points)2008: 83 carries for 507 yards and three
touchdowns; 58 catches for 486 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games
(120 Fantasy points)Difference: Like Morris, Faulk was an
injury replacement for Maroney in 2008, which was the reason for his
66-point increase in Fantasy production. Faulk remained a solid
contributor in 2009, but he suffered a knee injury in 2010 and will
likely retire in 2012.

XLI: Colts 29, Bears 17
Joseph Addai
, Colts2006: 226 carries for 1,081 yards
and seven touchdowns; 40 catches for 325 yards and one touchdown; two
fumbles in 16 games (169 Fantasy points)2007: 261 carries for
1,072 yards and 12 touchdowns; 41 catches for 364 yards and three
touchdowns in 15 games (220 Fantasy points)Difference: Addai
became the full-time starter for the Colts in 2007, which was his second
year in the NFL, and he is one of the few Super Bowl running backs to
see a significant boost the next year after a heavy workload. In 2006,
Addai had over 300 carries, including the playoffs.

Dominic Rhodes
, Colts2006: 187 carries for 641
yards and five touchdowns; 36 catches for 251 yards; three fumbles in 16
games (98 Fantasy points)2007: 75 carries for 302 yards and
one touchdown; 11 catches for 70 yards; one fumble in 10 games (28
Fantasy points)Difference: Rhodes left the Colts for the
Raiders in 2007, and he couldn't come close to his success in
Indianapolis. Rhodes resurfaced with the Colts in 2010, but his career
bottomed out soon after.

Thomas Jones
, Bears2006: 296 carries for 1,210
yards and six touchdowns; 36 catches for 154 yards; one fumble in 16
games (154 Fantasy points)2007: 310 carries for 1,119 yards
and one touchdown; 28 catches for 217 yards and one touchdown in 16
games (129 Fantasy points)Difference: Jones left the Bears
for the Jets in 2007, and he had a resurgence for Fantasy owners. His
lack of touchdowns hurt his value in 2007, but he was a star in 2008 and
2009. He went to Kansas City in 2010 and his Fantasy value hasn't been
the same since.

Cedric Benson
, Bears2006: 157 carries for 647
yards and six touchdowns; eight catches for 54 yards in 15 games (95
Fantasy points)2007: 196 carries for 674 yards and four
touchdowns; 17 catches for 123 yards; two fumbles in 11 games (85
Fantasy points)Difference: Benson didn't take advantage of
becoming the full-time starter in 2007, and he didn't become a quality
Fantasy option until going to Cincinnati in 2008. He had a great season
in 2009 and played well in 2010 and 2011. He's a free agent this
offseason, and where he plays in 2012 will determine his Fantasy value.

Wide receivers

There are several prominent Fantasy receivers in this game with
Hakeem Nicks
,
Victor Cruz
,
Mario Manningham
and Welker, and they could be in trouble with their
production in 2012 after playing in the Super Bowl. There were 27
receivers who had at least 40 catches in the season they played in the
Super Bowl going back the past five years, and 17 saw a decline in
Fantasy points the next year.

As you can assume, when the quarterback plays well the season after a
Super Bowl appearance, so do the receivers. The quarterbacks who
improved their Fantasy value after reaching the Super Bowl were Rodgers,
Roethlisberger,
Peyton Manning
and
Eli Manning
, and several of their receivers saw an increase in
Fantasy points the following year (
Donald Driver
,
James Jones
,
Jordy Nelson
,
Hines Ward
,
Santonio Holmes
,
Austin Collie
and
Pierre Garcon
).

But just because a quarterback struggles that doesn't mean the receiver
is terrible. Wallace this year and
Marques Colston
in 2010 saw a decline in Fantasy points, but they were still elite
options. So even if
Eli Manning
or Brady
see a decrease in production you could still see quality play out of
Nicks, Cruz or Welker, which is expected.

And that's what you should hope for with the receivers in Super Bowl
XLVI. Even if there's a decline -- and the past five years worth of
Super Bowl data suggests there will be -- hopefully it will just be
minimal.

Editor's note: All stats listed below are regular-season only.

XLV: Packers 31, Steelers 25
Greg Jennings
, Packers2010: 76 catches for 1,265 yards and
12 touchdowns; two fumbles in 16 games (191 Fantasy points)2011:
67 catches for 949 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games (143 Fantasy
points)Difference: Jennings missed the final three games of
the regular season this year otherwise his production would have been
similar to his 2010 stats. He remains an elite Fantasy option heading
into 2012 and should be drafted by Round 3 in all leagues.

Donald Driver
, Packers2010: 51 catches for 565
yards and four touchdowns; one fumble in 15 games (71 Fantasy points)2011:
37 catches for 445 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games (74 Fantasy
points)Difference: Driver might not return to the Packers in
2012, but he played a significant role this season as the No. 4 receiver
in Green Bay. His Fantasy value has diminished, and he should not be
drafted in the majority of leagues no matter where he plays next year.

James Jones
, Packers2010: 50 catches for 679 yards and
five touchdowns; three fumble in 15 games (88 Fantasy points)2011:
38 catches for 635 yards and seven touchdowns; one fumble in 16 games
(99 Fantasy points)Difference: Jones continues to be a boom
or bust Fantasy option, which makes him hard to trust as a starting
option in the majority of leagues. He will likely remain the No. 3
receiver for the Packers in 2012, and he should be drafted with a
late-round pick in standard formats.

Jordy Nelson
, Packers2010: 45 catches for 582
yards and two touchdowns; two fumbles in 16 games (78 Fantasy points)2011:
68 catches for 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns in 16 games (210 Fantasy
points)Difference: Nelson took a major leap this season with
his production as he emerged as a go-to target for Rodgers. He was the
No. 2 Fantasy receiver this season behind
Calvin Johnson
, and he should remain a solid Fantasy option in 2012.
Plan on drafting him by Round 3.

Mike Wallace
, Steelers2010: 60 catches for 1,257
yards and 10 touchdowns; five carries for 39 yards in 16 games (178
Fantasy points)2011: 72 catches for 1,193 yards and eight
touchdowns, five carries for 57 yards; one fumble in 16 games (162
Fantasy points)Difference: Wallace saw an increase in
catches, but his production declined because his yards and touchdowns
decreased. Still, he was a Top 10 Fantasy receiver this season and
should remain a Top 10 option again in 2012.

Hines Ward
, Steelers2010: 59 catches for 755
yards and five touchdowns; one fumble in 16 games (96 Fantasy points)2011:
46 catches for 381 yards and two touchdowns, one fumble in 15 games (48
Fantasy points)Difference: Ward slipped on the depth chart
for the Steelers this season behind Wallace and
Antonio Brown
. He has little Fantasy relevance anymore and should not
be drafted in the majority of leagues in 2012.

XLIV: Saints 31, Colts 17
Marques Colston
, Saints2009: 70 catches for 1,074 yards
and nine touchdowns; two fumbles in 16 games (150 Fantasy points)2010:
84 catches for 1,023 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games (138 Fantasy
points)Difference: Brees saw a decrease in Fantasy production
in 2010 with an increase in his interceptions, but Colston was still
solid with only a 12-point decline in Fantasy points. The difference was
the additional two touchdowns he scored in 2009. Colston remains an
elite Fantasy receiver in 2012.

Devery Henderson
, Saints2009: 51 catches for 804
yards and two touchdowns; four carries for 13 yards in 16 games (85
Fantasy points)2010: 34 catches for 464 yards and one
touchdown in 16 games (47 Fantasy points)Difference:
Henderson has never been a quality Fantasy receiver because of his
inconsistent play, so it's no surprise his Fantasy points went down in
2010. The Saints receivers also had to deal with the return to health of
Lance Moore
, who was injured in 2009. Henderson should not be drafted
in the majority of leagues in 2012.

Robert Meachem
, Saints2009: 45 catches for 722
yards and nine touchdowns; six carries for 82 yards; one fumble in 16
games (121 Fantasy points)2010: 44 catches for 638 yards and
five touchdowns; four carries for 14 yards in 16 games (88 Fantasy
points)Difference: Meachem was a breakout receiver for
Fantasy owners in 2009, which was his third year in the NFL, but he
struggled in 2010 to repeat that performance. Moore took away a lot of
production from Meachem, but Brees didn't appear to trust Meachem the
same way.

Reggie Wayne
, Colts2009: 100 catches for 1,264
yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games (177 Fantasy points)2010:
111 catches for 1,355 yards and six touchdowns; one fumble in 16 games
(162 Fantasy points)Difference: The reason that Wayne saw a
15-point decline in his Fantasy production was his decrease in
touchdowns. Otherwise all his other stats improved. Wayne continues to
be a solid Fantasy option in all leagues, and he should be drafted with
a mid-round pick in 2012 depending on where he plays and what happens to
Peyton Manning
if he stays in Indianapolis.

Austin Collie
, Colts2009: 60 catches for 676
yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games (102 Fantasy points)2010:
58 catches for 649 yards and eight touchdowns; one fumble in nine games
(107 Fantasy points)Difference: Collie would have had more
than a five-point improvement in 2010 if he didn't miss time due to a
series of concussions. He struggled in 2011 with
Peyton Manning
out, but he should rebound this year if Manning returns
to the Colts. Keep an eye on what happens.

Pierre Garcon
, Colts2009: 47 catches for 765 yards and
four touchdowns; two carries for 10 yards in 14 games (92 Fantasy points)2010:
67 catches for 784 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games (109 Fantasy
points)Difference: Garcon took advantage of injuries to
Collie,
Anthony Gonzalez
(knee) and
Dallas Clark
(wrist) to build off his breakout year in 2009. He had a
17-point improvement in his Fantasy points in 2010, and he should be
considered a No. 3 Fantasy receiver heading into 2012 depending on where
he plays and what happens to
Peyton Manning
if he stays with the Colts.

XLIII: Steelers 27, Cardinals 23
Hines Ward
, Steelers2008: 82 catches for 1,047 yards
and seven touchdowns in 16 games (139 Fantasy points)2009: 95
catches for 1,167 yards and six touchdowns; one fumble in 16 games (142
Fantasy points)Difference: Ward saw a three-point increase in
Fantasy points with the Steelers passing game seeing a significant
improvement in 2009. Ward has mulled over retirement in 2012, but even
if he returns he should not be drafted.

Santonio Holmes
, Steelers2008: 55 catches for
821 yards and five touchdowns; one fumble in 15 games (103 Fantasy
points)2009: 79 catches for 1,248 yards and five touchdowns
in 16 games (145 Fantasy points)Difference: Holmes saw the
biggest boost from Big Ben's new passing ways in 2009 with an increase
of 42 Fantasy points. It would be his last year in Pittsburgh before he
was traded to the Jets, but Holmes helped Fantasy owners with a solid
season. He should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy receiver heading into
2012.

Nate Washington
, Steelers2008: 40 catches for
631 yards and three touchdowns; five carries for 18 yards in 16 games
(74 Fantasy points)2009: 47 catches for 569 yards and six
touchdowns; two carries for 15 yards in 16 games (85 Fantasy points)Difference:
Washington went to Tennessee as a free agent after winning the Super
Bowl with the Steelers, where he was the No. 3 receiver behind Ward and
Holmes. He was essentially the No. 2 receiver for the Titans behind
Kenny Britt
, and Washington has become a key Fantasy reserve. He's
worth a late-round pick on Draft Day in 2012.

Larry Fitzgerald
, Cardinals2008: 96 catches for 1,434
yards and 12 touchdowns in 16 games (207 Fantasy points)2009:
97 catches for 1,092 yards and 13 touchdowns in 16 games (179 Fantasy
points)Difference: Fitzgerald saw a 28-point decline in his
Fantasy production after an amazing year in 2008, but he still played
well in 2009. He continued to slide in 2010, but that was with Warner's
retirement. We still value Fitzgerald as an elite Fantasy option, and he
should be drafted as Top 10 receiver in 2012.

Anquan Boldin
, Cardinals2008: 89 catches for 1,038
yards and 11 touchdowns; nine carries for 67 yards; three fumbles in 12
games (158 Fantasy points)2009: 84 catches for 1,024 yards
and four touchdowns; three carries for 12 yards and a touchdown; two
fumbles in 15 games (121 Fantasy points)Difference: Like
Fitzgerald, Boldin also suffered in 2009 with Warner having a down year.
It was Boldin's last season with the Cardinals since he went to
Baltimore in 2010. He didn't have an overwhelming year with the Ravens
this season, but he's still worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in
all leagues.

Steve Breaston
, Cardinals2008: 77 catches for
1,003 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games (110 Fantasy points)2009:
55 catches for 712 yards and three touchdowns; two carries for 44 yards;
one fumble in 15 games (80 Fantasy points)Difference:
Breaston could be the classic example of a one-year wonder since he was
solid in 2008, declined in 2009 and struggled with injuries in 2010 and
this year. His Fantasy production has decreased each year, and he might
not improve enough in 2012 for Fantasy owners to trust him.

XLII: Giants 17, Patriots 14
Plaxico Burress
, Giants2007: 70 catches for 1,025 yards
and 12 touchdowns in 16 games (167 Fantasy points)2008: 35
catches for 454 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games (61 Fantasy points)Difference:
Burress went from an elite Fantasy receiver to prison when he shot
himself in the leg in a New York nightclub in 2008. He is now with the
Jets, and he has struggled to regain his old form. Consider him a No. 3
Fantasy receiver at best in 2012.

Amani Toomer, Giants2007: 59 catches for 760 yards and three
touchdowns in 16 games (86 Fantasy points)2008: 48 catches
for 580 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games (74 Fantasy points)Difference:
Toomer's last full season in the NFL was in 2008, and he remained a good
weapon for
Eli Manning
but not a
consistent Fantasy option. Even though Manning saw an increase in
Fantasy points after his Super Bowl victory it was mainly because he cut
down on his turnovers in 2008.

Wes Welker
, Patriots2007: 112 catches for 1,175
yards and eight touchdowns; four carries for 34 yards in 16 games (159
Fantasy points)2008: 112 catches for 1,165 yards and three
touchdowns; two carries for 26 yards; one fumble in 16 games (127
Fantasy points)Difference: Welker saw a 32-point decline in
his Fantasy points in 2008 mainly because Brady was lost for the season
in Week 1. Welker was still amazing for Fantasy owners in point per
reception leagues, but
Matt Cassel
couldn't help Welker find the end zone on a consistent basis. Welker
heads into 2012 as a solid No. 1 Fantasy receiver in all formats
depending on what happens in this Super Bowl.

Randy Moss
, Patriots2007: 98 catches for 1,493
yards and 23 touchdowns in 16 games (280 Fantasy points)2008:
69 catches for 1,008 yards and 11 touchdowns; two fumbles in 16 games
(156 Fantasy points)Difference: Like Welker, Moss struggled
with Cassel and couldn't duplicate his record-breaking year in 2007. He
would have likely seen a decline in 2008, but dropping by 124 Fantasy
points was pretty steep. Moss would rebound in 2009 before seeing his
career fall apart in 2010 when he was with three teams (New England,
Minnesota and Tennessee). It's a shame the way his Hall of Fame career
ended.

Donte' Stallworth
, Patriots2007: 46 catches for
697 yards and three touchdowns; one carry for 12 yards in 16 games (80
Fantasy points)2008: 17 catches for 170 yards and one
touchdown in 11 games (15 Fantasy points)Difference:
Stallworth went to Cleveland in 2008, and leaving the Patriots hasn't
been good for his career. He was suspended in 2009 and played in only
nine games with Baltimore in 2010 before ending up in Washington this
year. Fantasy owners shouldn't count on him again in any leagues.

XLI: Colts 29, Bears 17Marvin Harrison, Colts2006:
95 catches for 1,366 yards and 12 touchdowns; one fumble in 16 games
(199 Fantasy points)2007: 20 catches for 247 yards and one
touchdown in five games (23 Fantasy points)Difference:
Harrison's last good season in the NFL was 2006 since he was injured in
2007 and couldn't regain his form in 2008. He was once among the best
Fantasy options at any position, and he should be considered one of the
best wide receivers of all time.

Reggie Wayne
, Colts2006: 86 catches for 1,310
yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games (179 Fantasy points)2007:
104 catches for 1,510 yards and 10 touchdowns; three fumbles in 16 games
(197 Fantasy points)Difference: With Harrison dealing with a
knee injury in 2007, the torch was passed for Wayne to become the new
No. 1 receiver for the Colts. He saw an 18-point increase in Fantasy
production and hasn't looked back since as a solid Fantasy option.

Muhsin Muhammad
, Bears2006: 60 catches for 863
and five touchdowns; one fumble in 16 games (106 Fantasy points)2007:
40 catches for 570 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games (67 Fantasy
points)Difference: Muhammad had a solid season in 2006 in
helping the Bears reach the Super Bowl, but he struggled in 2007 with
Chicago dealing with quarterback issues. Grossman was benched and then
injured, and the passing game never took off. Muhammad had one more
productive season in 2008 with Carolina before his last year in the NFL
in 2009.

Bernard Berrian
, Bears2006: 51 catches for 775
yards and six touchdowns; one fumble in 16 games (103 Fantasy points)2007:
70 catches for 948 yards and five touchdowns; one fumble in 15 games
(115 Fantasy points)Difference: Berrian, despite all the
quarterback woes in 2007, still had a 12-point increase in Fantasy
points from his Super Bowl season. He left Chicago for Minnesota in
2008, but he's never blossomed into a standout Fantasy option, with his
career likely over following a washout season this year.

Jamey Eisenberg has been a Senior Fantasy Writer for CBS Sports since 2006 with a focus on Fantasy Football. A University of Florida grad (class of '98), Jamey got his start in the newspaper business and...
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